Are you ready to revolutionise the world with TEKEVER?
At TEKEVER, we lead innovation in Europe as the European leader in unmanned technology, where cutting-edge advancements meet unparalleled innovation.
Digital | Defence | Security | Space
We operate across four strategic areas, combining artificial intelligence, systems engineering, data science, and aerospace technology to tackle global challenges — from protecting people and critical infrastructure to exploring space.
We offer a unique surveillance-as-a-service solution that delivers real-time intelligence, enhancing maritime safety and saving lives. Our products and services support strategic and operational decisions in the most demanding environments — whether at sea, on land, in space, or in cyberspace.
Become part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and mission-driven team that is transforming maritime surveillance and redefining global safety standards.
At TEKEVER, our mission is to provide limitless support through mission-oriented game-changers, delivering the right information at the right time to empower critical decision-making.
If you're passionate about technology and eager to shape the future — TEKEVER is the place for you.
The Role:
The Manufacturing Engineer is a hands-on technical role at the heart of the Swindon production ramp. You will design, document, prove out and continuously improve the processes that build the AR3, AR3 EVO and AR5 platforms in the UK — from raw material in, to flight-ready aircraft out.
You will spend the majority of your time on the shop floor: at the bench with operators and technicians, working through builds, identifying problems, designing fixtures and work instructions, and proving out new processes. You will be the technical bridge between Product Engineering, the production cells, Quality and Supply Chain.
This is an individual contributor role. You will not manage a team, but you will lead processes, lead improvement projects, and own the technical answer for the area of the factory you are assigned to.
Key Responsibilities
Process design and industrialisation
* Design, document and prove out manufacturing processes for new and existing electronic, mechanical and integrated assemblies.
* Take products from prototype / low-rate production into volume manufacture in partnership with Product Engineering and the relevant production cell.
* Produce clear, controlled work instructions, routings and standard work; ensure they are followed and kept current.
* Carry out time studies, line balancing and capacity analysis to support production planning and ramp.
Tooling, fixtures and equipment
* Specify, design (or co-design with suppliers) and commission tooling, fixtures, jigs and test rigs to deliver target quality, takt time and ergonomics.
* Own the qualification and maintenance regime for the tooling and equipment in your area.
* Support equipment selection and commissioning during cell setup, including the Swindon ramp.
New Product Introduction support
* Provide the manufacturing voice in design reviews; drive Design for Manufacture, Design for Assembly and Design for Test feedback into Product Engineering.
* Lead the production-readiness work for new builds and variants: tooling, fixtures, test equipment, work instructions, training and capacity.
* Support tech transfer of established AR3 and AR5 build processes from Tekever Portugal into the Swindon cells.
Process control and quality
* Build process control plans, PFMEAs and control charts for assigned processes; partner with Quality to keep them current.
* Lead root-cause analysis and corrective action on production issues, non-conformances and field returns.
* Drive measurable improvements in first-pass yield, scrap, rework and defect rates.
* Ensure all processes comply with AS9100, IPC and applicable customer specifications.
Continuous improvement
* Identify and lead structured improvement projects across safety, quality, throughput, lead time, ergonomics and cost.
* Apply Lean tools — 5S, standard work, value stream mapping, Kaizen, structured problem solving — as the default way of working.
* Use shop-floor data, MES outputs and quality data to drive decisions.
Change management
* Manage engineering changes through to the shop floor: assess impact, update routings and work instructions, plan cut-in, brief the team.
* Maintain accurate process documentation in the controlled environment (PLM / MES / quality system).
What You'll Bring
Essential
* Demonstrable experience as a Manufacturing Engineer (or equivalent — Process Engineer, Production Engineer, NPI Engineer) in a regulated, engineered-product environment — aerospace, defence, automotive, medical devices, complex electronics or similar.
* A track record of designing, documenting and proving out manufacturing processes handson, on the shop floor.
* Practical experience with at least one of: electronics assembly (SMT, through-hole, harness), mechanical assembly, composites, or final integration and test of complex products.
* Confident with tooling and fixture design, time studies, line balancing and capacity planning.
* Solid grounding in Lean / continuous improvement — 5S, standard work, value stream mapping, structured problem solving, PFMEA.
* Strong working knowledge of a regulated quality system (AS9100, ISO 9001 or equivalent) and a relevant workmanship standard (IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620 or equivalent).
* Comfortable working with CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo or similar), ERP / MES systems and PLM data.
* Effective on the shop floor with operators, technicians and supervisors — communicates clearly, builds trust, and gets things changed.
* Eligible for UK SC clearance. Must be eligible for BPSS from day one.
Desirable
Direct experience in UAS, avionics, aerospace structures or aerospace integration and test.
Experience commissioning a new factory, cell or line.
Experience supporting tech transfer between manufacturing sites.
Six Sigma Green Belt or above.
Engineering qualification (HNC / HND / Degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical,
Electronics, Aerospace or related discipline) — or equivalent demonstrated experience.
What we have to offer you:
* An excellent work environment and an opportunity to make a difference.
* Salary commensurate with level of experience.
* Company pension contribution matched up to 10%.
* 25 days annual holiday + 8 Bank holidays.
* Medical Insurance.
* Dental Insurance.
* Salary sacrifice initiatives (EV Scheme, Cycle 2 Work, Tech Scheme)
* Discretionary annual company bonus.
Do you want to know more about us ?
Visit our LinkedIn page at
Tekever is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All offers are conditional on successful pre-employment screening, including UK security clearance where required.